VIDEO: 2014 Mercedes F1 turbo V6 engine in action

Formula 1 is joining the engine downsizing movement next year, with brand new 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines in play. This video of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG V6 F1 Power Unit running a virtual lap around the Monza track gives us an idea of how the revamped F1 grid will sound like next season.

It’s not quite as high-pitched as the current 2.4 litre V8s, which, in itself is rather tame compared to wild old V10s and V12s from years before. Blame that on the imposed 15,000 rpm limit. Aside from the pitch though, it doesn’t sound all bad, does it? Have a listen and voice your comments below.

Notice the many gearchanges (more than you’d hear in current cars) throughout the lap? Get used to it, as next year’s cars will have an eight-speed gearbox, one more than before. No biggie for Mercedes-Benz, as the company has already launched its nine-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission for its road cars.

If you’re wondering why the ‘car’ is invisible, that’s because the driver sits in a life-size F1 cockpit while in the simulator, so the projected screen doesn’t need to have a visual representation of the car. Having the wheels appear where they should, relative to the driver’s point of view, is enough for a near life-like feel.

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

No relation. But here’s hoping MB will try to infuse some of the F1 engine tech into road cars. Not sure what exactly because many of the new tech in this new F1 engine was seen first in road cars.

In contrast, Audi has done an effective job of launching technologies in Le Mans, then introducing into road cars. A bit harder to do the same with F1 because the race machines are further removed from what you and I drive on the road.

Single turbo only, not twin turbo. Engines are predicted to make in the region of 650hp (down from ~750hp), with an additional 150 from energy recovery systems.

All said, it will never sound as good as the V10 days but of it keeps the series alive and relevant, I’m all for it. Besides, the turbo cars from the 80’s were terrifying! (albeit producing around 100hp and up to 1500hp in qualifying trim)

“If you’re wondering why the ‘car’ is invisible, that’s because the driver sits in a life-size F1 cockpit while in the simulator, so the projected screen doesn’t need to have a visual representation of the car. Having the wheels appear where they should, relative to the driver’s point of view, is enough for a near life-like feel. ”

gamers call it first person view. if the view is from back, it’s called third person view.

Sounds a little less exciting compared to current one…hope when hear it in live it will sounds better…another means to save cost by the sports governing body n also to promote the sports as earth friendly as possible while still retaining its excitement level if not mistaken…part of their long term planning of some sort

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